Become a Poll Worker!

Being a poll worker is a great way to serve your community, take an active role in democracy, and become part of the dedicated team working to make the election process easy and accessible to everyone.

Poll workers who work at a polling place are volunteers who are provided a stipend of $135 (for Inspectors) and $100 (for Clerks) for the day. Each polling place has a Precinct Board comprised of one Inspector and two to four Clerks.

To Be a Poll Worker, you must meet the following criteria:

Be a registered voter in Sonoma County or a permanent legal resident of the United States (permanent legal residents may work as clerks only)

Be able to complete the tasks as described in the Inspector or Clerk job duties (see below)

Inspectors

Inspectors are "lead" poll workers in the polling place. They are responsible for learning and completing Election Day procedures and for obtaining all supplies and ballots. Due to the tasks assigned, Inspectors must have reliable transportation with adequate space to accommodate Election Day supplies and equipment; Inspectors are reimbursed for mileage. Inspector duties include the following:

Attend a training class (approximately two hours) to receive election training, and pick up Election Day supplies and ballots

Check supplies and confirm receipt of all materials needed to conduct the election

Contact all members of the Precinct Board to confirm their participation on Election Day

Contact the polling place to ensure access to the facility on Election Day

Assign tasks to Clerks, including all duties required in setting up and closing the polling place; negotiate and schedule meal breaks with Precinct Board members

Transport all supplies and ballots to the "Return Center" on election night, accompanied by one Clerk

Clerks

Clerks are "line workers" in the polling place. In addition to helping set up and close the polling place, Clerks are assigned duties that help voters to receive and cast their ballots. Clerk duties include the following:

Complete assignments from the Inspector including, but not limited to the following: locate voter names on rosters; obtain voter signatures; provide simple instruction to voters; issue, receive, and deposit ballot card(s); set up and clean up polling place